As all women be, and of less value. Philosophers say the matter is less worthy Than the form; so is woman to man surely. CAL. I love not to hear this altercation Between Melibaea and me her lover. SEM. Possible it is in every condition To abhor her as much as you do love her In the woman beguiling is the danger, That ye shall see hereafter with eyes free. CAL. With what eyes? SEM. With clear eyes, trust me. CAL. Why, with what eyes do I see now? SEM. With dim eyes, which show a little thing much. But for ye shall not despair, I assure you No labour nor diligence in me shall grutch: So trusty and friendly ye shall find me such, In all things possible that ye can acquire The thing to accomplish to your desire. CAL. God bring that to pass, so glad it is to me To hear thee thus, though I hope not in thy doings. SEM. Yet I shall do it, trust me for a surety. CAL. God reward thee for thy gentle intending; I give thee this chain of gold in rewarding. SEM. Sir, God reward you, and send us good speed; I doubt not but I shall perform it indeed. But without rewards it is hard to work well. CAL. I am content, so thou be not negligent. SEM. Nay, be not you; for it passeth a marvel, The master slow, the servant to be diligent. CAL. How thinkest it can be? show me thine intent. SEM. Sir, I have a neighbour, a mother of bawdry, That can provoke the hard rocks to lechery. In all evil deeds she is perfect wise. I trow more than a thousand virgins Have been destroyed by her subtle devices, For she never faileth, where she begins: Alone by this craft her living she wins. Maids, wives, widows, and every one, If she once meddle, there escapeth none. CAL. How might I speak with her, Sempronio? SEM. I shall bring her hither unto this place; But ye must in any wise let rewards go, And show her your griefs in every case. CAL. Else were I not worthy to attain grace. But, alas, Sempronio, thou tarriest too long. SEM. Sir, God be with you. CAL. Christ make thee strong! [_Exit Sem_. The mighty and perdurable God be his guide, As he guided the three kings into Bedlam[40] From the east by the star, and again did provide As their conduct to return to their own realm; So speed my Sempronio to quench the leme[41] Of this fire, which my heart doth waste and spend; And that I may come to my desired end! To pass the time now will I walk Up and down within mine orchard, And to myself go commune and talk; And pray that fortune to me be not hard; Longing to hear, whether made or marred, My message shall return by my servant Sempronio. Thus farewell, my lords; for a while I will go. _Enter_ CELESTINA, _the bawd_.